With Burger, Williams and Nortje also injured, SA may need to dig deep into their reserves to fill a fast-bowling position for the Champions Trophy

Firdose Moonda17-Jan-2025 • Updated on 19-Jan-2025

File photo: Gerald Coetzee had been struggling with a groin issue but played in JSK’s last game•AFP/Getty Images

South Africa’s bowling stocks have taken another hit after Gerald Coetzee, who was expected to be named as Anrich Nortje’s replacement in the the Champions Trophy squad, missed Joburg Super Kings’ match against Pretoria Capitals with a hamstring injury on Thursday and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the SA20 on SundayCSA, however, said Coetzee “remains in contention for selection” for the Champions Trophy and that a decision on his inclusion would be made in the first week of February. The deadline for submitting the final squads to the ICC is February 11.Coetzee had played JSK’s previous match against Durban’s Super Giants at Kingsmead, which was his first competitive game since the Test against Sri Lanka in Durban, where he injured his groin. He was ruled out of the rest of the international summer, after he had come back from a hip niggle and a 12-week conditioning block. He did not play any cricket between a game at the MLC in July (his only one in the competition) and a domestic match for the Titans in October. Then, he appeared fitter and faster than before, playing in all four of South Africa’s T20I fixtures against India, and took 4 for 85 in the first Test against Sri Lanka before he was ruled out again.Related

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Back injury rules Nortje out of Champions Trophy

It was confirmed by South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter that Coetzee had been in line for a Champions Trophy place but left out in favour of the more experienced Nortje. With Nortje sidelined with a back problem and Coetzee now injured as well, Walter, who is the sole selector of the team, will have to mine the depths of the reserves.With Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder already in the squad, Walter could look to 18-year old tearaway Kwena Maphaka or South Africa’s most recent ODI cap, Corbin Bosch, if he is looking for pace or may have to move away from that entirely. Death-bowling specialist Ottneil Baartman is another option with almost everyone else in contention currently injured.Nandre Burger will not return to action this summer after suffering a lower-back stress fracture while Lizaad Williams is recovering from knee surgery. Daryn Dupavillon, who was playing for Pretoria Capitals, is also ruled out of the SA20 with a hamstring concern.Dupavillon is the eighth seamer to be injured this summer. The others were Ngidi (groin), Coetzee, Mulder (broken finger), Nortje (broken toe, then back), Williams, Baartman and Burger. Barring Burger, Nortje, Williams and now, Coetzee, the others have returned to action.

Atletico Madrid and UEFA will reportedly launch an investigation into the heated clashes that overshadowed Liverpool's 3-2 Champions League win at Anfield. Atletico boss Diego Simeone was shown a red card following a heated exchange with a Reds fan on Wednesday night after Virgil van Dijk's late winner. Now, a probe will look into an Atletico employee appearing to spit into the crowd.

UEFA to investigate Anfield spit-gate

Following Van Dijk's stoppage-time winner in their Champions League opener, Simeone was dismissed following a melee close to Atletico's bench. Footage appears to show one of his team spitting into the crowd, and now the Spanish side and UEFA will review this, with the latter potentially taking disciplinary action.

AdvertisementZiggo SportSimeone explains furious outburst

The Argentine said after the match: "It's never very good when we react as managers, is it? But if there are comments against racism or insults, we can get angry and fight back as well, managers. When they scored the third goal, he [the supporter] turned around and insulted me. When I turned around, I am a person and I'm human.

"I'm not going to get into the exact nature of the insults. I don't want to get involved with that. I have got to stay in my place. I know what went on behind the manager's bench. I can't solve society's problems in one press conference. I've got to live with it because it exists all over the place."

Atletico boss regrets actions against Liverpool

Simeone also said that he regretted clashing with Liverpool supporters after seeing his side coming from 2-0 down and then equalise, only to come away with nothing at the death.

The 55-year-old said: "Firstly, I regret the part I played. It's clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react."

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AFPWhat next for Atletico and Liverpool?

It remains to be seen if Atletico, Simeone, or Liverpool fans will be punished for what transpired at Anfield this week. Next up, the Reds host bitter rivals Everton in the Premier League on Saturday in the latest edition of the Merseyside derby.

Chelsea certainly bounced back from their opening day bore draw in the Premier League versus Crystal Palace when making the short trip to West Ham United on Friday night.

Despite initially going 1-0 down to the Hammers, the Blues never looked short on confidence at the London Stadium, with a 5-1 demolition job the final outcome, which left ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter shellshocked in the home side’s dug-out.

Away from the impressive displays of Joao Pedro and many others against the Irons, however, Chelsea do look to still be in the market for an exciting attacking addition or two.

Indeed, they look to be close on landing long-term target Xavi Simons’ signature, but he isn’t the only statement addition up top that the Blues seem to be interested in.

Chelsea tempted to make bid for £80m star

It has been a long, drawn-out saga involving BlueCo and the Dutchman this summer.

This could soon come to an end, though, with the Blues – according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg – planning to offer the captivating 22-year-old a contract until 2031, with personal terms already verbally agreed between RB Leipzig and his potential new employers.

Chelsea will have to wave goodbye to reserve figures such as Christopher Nkunku before a move for Simons can be finalised; however, with Aston Villa now touted a surprise next destination for the out-of-sorts Frenchman, as Unai Emery’s men are reportedly interested in a deal.

The Blues could test relations between the two clubs even more by finally landing the services of Villans superstar Morgan Rogers, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that the West London outfit are tempted by a last minute splurge for the Englishman.

Having just been awarded PFA Young Player of the Year, a deal for Rogers to leave Villa Park behind for Stamford Bridge wouldn’t be cheap, with the report stating that a move would only get off the ground if Chelsea were willing to fork out an amount in the excessive £80m ballpark.

How Rogers is a dream Simons alternative

Maresca’s ambitious Blues might well view this as a better deal to chase after than persisting with Simons, with Rogers more than a dream alternative to the Leipzig number ten, when you consider his Premier League capabilities already.

Of course, Simons did have a standout 2024/25 season himself in the Bundesliga.

Across a mere 25 games, the breathtaking 22-year-old would consistently dazzle German top-flight defences, culminating in him picking up a hefty tally of ten goals and seven assists just in league action.

However, Chelsea have been burnt here before – with both Nkunku and Timo Werner going on to be major flops in the Premier League after leaving Leipzig behind – leading to the same anxieties popping up involving Simons.

Therefore, despite the fact Rogers will cost a weighty £80m or more to get through the door, the “sensational” attacker – as he’s been previously lauded by journalist Eduardo Hagn – could be the preferred last-minute option, particularly if Villa are willing to part ways, while the Simons transfer saga rumbles on.

Rogers vs Simons (24/25 league)

Stat

Rogers

Simons

Games played

37

26

Goals scored

8

10

Assists

10

7

Big chances created

16

12

Stats by Sofascore

Rogers very much came into his own donning Villa claret and blue last season, with the Stamford Bridge-linked midfielder actually picking up one more goal contribution in the demanding Premier League than Simons managed across his 26 Bundesliga outings.

Moreover, the “unstoppable” gem – as he was dubbed by Jamie Carragher – created four more big chances than his Dutch counterpart, with the addition of the stunning 23-year-old perhaps making Maresca’s men even more genuine title-challengers, after their walk-in-the-park victory at West Ham.

Chelsea won’t turn their noses up at Simons joining, with the former PSV Eindhoven midfielder clearly ready for the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.

But, landing Rogers would be a dream move if that expected arrival goes awry, with Chelsea poaching a sensational talent from a top-flight rival to try and be on the same pedestal as the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal near the very top of the ladder.

Related The new Fabregas: Chelsea submit offer to sign "spectacular" £43m "genuis"

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 21, 2025

After Head hit a blazing fifty before lunch, the Khawaja-Smith pair stamped its authority on the day’s fortunes

Tristan Lavalette29-Jan-2025Stand-in captain Steven Smith scored his 10,000th Test run before completing the momentous occasion with a majestic century, while Usman Khawaja reached his 16th ton as Australia were rewarded for an aggressive approach against a spin-heavy Sri Lanka attack on a slow Galle surface.Australia finished the opening day of the series in a dominant position at 330 for 2 with rain ending play after 81.1 overs. Khawaja and Smith have combined for an unbroken third-wicket 195-run partnership to capitalise on the batting-friendly conditions in the perfect start for an Australian side striving for a first series victory in Sri Lanka since 2011.Having averaged 66 in 38 previous Tests as captain, Smith has clearly enjoyed taking the leadership reins with Pat Cummins on paternity leave. He was in sublime form after lunch and reached his half-century in 57 balls before showing patience in the final session as Sri Lanka talisman Prabath Jayasuriya resorted to a defensive leg stump line.As gloomy skies threatened, Smith regained his momentum to notch his 35th Test century. He raised his baggygreen in a reserved celebration with Smith having peeled off three tons in his last seven Test innings.Smith had started the match perched on 9999 runs after agonisingly falling short of the landmark in the fifth Test against India on his SCG home ground.Steven Smith got his third Test ton in Sri Lanka, becoming the most prolific to do so among Australia batters•Ishara S Kodikara/AFP via Getty ImagesBut Smith reached the milestone on his first delivery just before lunch with a flick to mid-on to join Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh as the only Australians to achieve the milestone. He earned a strong ovation from his teammates and the jovial Australia fans in the terraces as he celebrated with a modest wave of the bat.He almost fell moments later when he offered a return catch to Jayasuriya, who spilt a chance low down to his right. But Smith was almost flawless after that as he donned his baggygreen cap and batted with authority. Much like openers Khawaja and Travis Head in the first session, Smith was quick on his feet and targeted the trio of spinners down the ground.Not having to face tormentor Jasprit Bumrah, Khawaja cut a relaxed figure and played with good intent to end a long drought having gone without a century since the opening Ashes Test in mid-2023.Related

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After a lean series against India, pressure had built on 38-year-old Khawaja but he repaid the faith by perfectly complementing the aggressiveness of Smith and Head, who justified his promotion up the order with 57 off 40 balls.Khawaja unfurled the reverse sweep to good effect and reached his century off 135 balls, celebrating by pumping his fists and taking off his helmet before waving his bat.Usman Khawaja ended his longest streak without a century with a first-day hundred in Galle•Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesIt has been a torrid start to the two-Test series for Sri Lanka, who were particularly sloppy in the field and tardy with their reviews. They were left to rue numerous chances to dismiss Khawaja, including two dropped catches off the bowling of an increasingly flustered Jayasuriya, who destroyed Australia at the venue with a 12-wicket haul in his Test debut in 2022.Khawaja was also lucky on 74 when he edged Jayasuriya through to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, but Sri Lanka did not review the not out decision.Apart from a menacing spell before lunch by legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who turned the ball square having been a surprising inclusion, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were rattled and unable to rein in Australia’s scoring run until restorting to defensive tactics in the backend of the day’s play.But the damage had been done after Australia piled on 261 runs at a rate of 4.35 in the opening two sessions.Head set the tone after Smith had no hesitation to bat when the coin fell in his favour amid stifling humidity and a grassless surface. In a somewhat contentious move, Head moved up from No. 5 at the expense of 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who had made an eye-catching start to his Test career against India.The decision also allowed Josh Inglis, the Western Australia wicketkeeper and a noted player of spin, to make his Test debut at five as a specialist batter. But he’s not been needed so far.Having previously struggled as a middle-order batter in Sri Lanka, Head had success as an opener in India on the 2023 tour and he replicated that in a 92-run partnership with Khawaja. Head’s swift strike rate suggests belligerent batting straight out of the recently concluded Big Bash League, but he played smartly and mostly in orthodox fashion.Head raced to 23 off 13 and showed no mercy, but he did receive some luck on the last ball of quick Asitha Fernando’s opening three-over spell when he was rapped on the pads. Fernando had appealed vigorously, but Sri Lanka opted against reviewing although replays suggested the not out decision would have been overturned.Head reached his half-century off 35 balls, but fell shortly after when he tried to hit Jayasuriya over long-on but mis-hit to Dinesh Chandimal on the rope.The game turned – literally – with Vandersay producing sharp legspin from the get go. He ripped a Shane Warne-esque legbreak to beat Marnus Labuschagne all ends up on his first delivery, while Nishan Peiris had a huge lbw shout on the batter turned down with DRS upholding the decision.Labuschagne on 20 poked Vandersay to first slip as Sri Lanka ended the first session in better spirits. But their mood quickly soured on resumption when Smith smashed Jayasuriya straight down the ground for six and he scored with ease until Sri Lanka changed their tactics.Jayasuriya bowled four consecutive maidens either side of tea, aiming at a leg stump line as a patient Smith continually padded the ball away.The negative lines did lead to umpire Chris Gaffaney giving the Sri Lankans a talking to before the game received a much needed spark as Smith pounced on weary bowling to move into seventh spot on the list of most Test century makers.Sri Lanka took the second new ball but seven balls later rain intervened in a relief for the beleaguered home side.Australia selected a spin-heavy attack with offspinner Todd Murphy and left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann to complement frontliner Nathan Lyon.Mitchell Starc was the sole paceman named with allrounder Beau Webster capable of bowling seam and spin. Scott Boland unluckily was dropped after taking 10 wickets against India in the SCG Test.

Newcastle United reached new levels of success under Eddie Howe’s wing last season, but there’s no denying that they have been buffeted by the summer transfer window.

It’s been a testing period for those of a Toon persuasion, but it’s important to acknowledge the trophy-winning success of 2024/25, having won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League through the Premier League.

And while Newcastle failed to win their opening game of the new league campaign, they played well at Villa Park and left with a point, having lacked the presence of an out-and-out frontman, Anthony Gordon deputising at number nine.

Gordon is a fantastic player who will continue to star for the Tynesiders over the coming years, but he’s not a goalscoring striker.

Newcastle, as is no surprise, need to sign replacements up top, with the truant Alexander Isak showing no desire to return to Howe’s squad.

Newcastle searching for Isak replacement

Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m fee in 2022, and he has since gone from strength to strength to be regarded as “the best striker in the Premier League” by the likes of Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

But he’s headed for the exit, it would seem, having intimated to the Newcastle hierarchy that he has no intention of rejoining Howe’s squad, and only wants to sign for Liverpool.

Newcastle need to sign two strikers, though. There is optimism that a deal will be concluded for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but the DR Congo striker was never considered Isak’s potential replacement, and instead, an upgrade on Callum Wilson.

The likes of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and long-time transfer target Goncalo Ramos are on the club’s radar, but whether either are deemed appropriate to succeed Isak remains to be seen.

However, there’s another Premier League talent who has been earmarked, with discussions between the clubs rumoured to be in the works.

Newcastle in talks for new striker

As per David Ornstein of The Athletic, Newcastle are holding discussions over the possible signing of Jørgen Strand Larsen via intermediaries.

The Norwegian frontman spent last season on loan at Molineux but only became a fully-fledged Wolverhampton Wanderers player at the beginning of July.

Even so, he is on the Magpies’ shortlist, though it would take a considerable offer to convince Wolves to part with the goalscorer, who has been valued at around £65m.

Why Newcastle want Strand Larsen

The 6 foot 4 Strand Larsen proved an industrious and effective outlet for Wolves last season, standing firm and tall as a focal point from which the likes of Matheus Cunha could use to create and link play together.

Strand Larsen’s 14-goal, five-assist return across the Premier League campaign bespeaks his potential, having only the year before plied his trade in Spain with Celta Vigo.

His 60% success rate in hitting the target put him among the top 1% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for that metric, and with a bit more confidence behind his powerful strikes, there’s every reason that the Norwegian could be fashioned into a superstar at St. James’ Park.

With the likes of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga blending their blistering speed and dynamic movements down the flanks, the Old Gold centre-forward would not need to play the flashy role under Howe’s tutelage, but rather, provide Newcastle with a clinical presence in the final third.

Gordon has spoken of his struggles last season, but how he has since rekindled the fire in his belly and is ready to return to the form that saw him crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, having notched 21 goal involvements in the Premier League.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

34 (28)

Goals

11

6

Assists

10

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (0.9)

1.7 (0.6)

Pass completion

82%

81%

Key passes*

1.6

1.5

Big chances created

16

6

Dribbles*

1.5

1.1

Ball recoveries*

3.6

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.1

Duels (won)*

5.3 (49%)

4.4 (52%)

That kind of electric dribbling and unrelenting chance creation bodes well for a striker of Strand Larsen’s ilk, especially when Toon legend Alan Shearer has already singled him out as being a frustrating adversary for Premier League defenders.

After one display against Ipswich Town, Shearer said: “He was a nuisance. His hold-up play was excellent and I thought his touch and his control were superb.”

Such coolness in the final third would allow Gordon to shift in and play neat one-twos so he can strike on goal himself, too. And what’s more, the same could be replicated with the rip-roaring Elanga on the alternate wing.

Elanga, 24, has declared himself to be “one of the fastest players in the league,” and after two years of work under Nuno Espirito Santo in a counter-attacking Forest side, he will have perfected the art of swift transitional play.

This should see him dovetail into Newcastle’s first team, having impressed on his league debut for the outfit on Saturday, completing 23 sprints, winning five duels and making two key passes.

It’s clear, however, that Elanga works better with a strong forward in the centre – see his connection with Chris Wood at the City Ground, for example – and Strand Larsen could surely play that role, brawny, aerially efficient and composed with the ball at his feet.

While Strand Larsen doesn’t appear to be the first-choice pick for Newcastle as the end of the transfer window looms large, he’s proven in the Premier League and stands below a high ceiling indeed. He would be a credit to the squad, completing an exciting and multi-faceted frontline.

Howe's next Gordon: Newcastle make move to sign "exceptional" £26m star

Newcastle expect to complete a flurry of signings before the end of the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 18, 2025

A failure to cope with pressure and physical preparation will form key lines of inquiry during a review of England’s 16-0 Ashes drubbing aimed at turning performances around in time for the 50-over World Cup in October.Clare Connor, managing director of England women’s cricket, confirmed the review would consider team leadership – including, but not restricted to, head coach Jon Lewis and captain Heather Knight, as well as all aspects of team fitness.”It’s been very evident that the Australia women’s cricket team are setting new standards of athleticism in our sport and that’s obviously one area where we have been out-shone,” Connor said.”One thing I think will be true is that our players will have to look at that level of athleticism and speed and power and the athleticism that is evident in their fielding and see that as a new benchmark.”Credit to Australia for taking the standards of international women’s cricket to another level over the last month. Their ruthlessness in doing that is admirable and I think will give us a huge amount to think about as we go home and reflect.”Clare Connor will lead England’s post-Ashes inquest•Getty Images

England lost every match of the multi-format Ashes series which ended with an innings defeat inside three days in the MCG Test after failing to register any points from the three ODIs or three T20Is, losing two of the latter by more than 50 runs.They were dominated physically and mentally by the Australians, who suffered several injuries to key players yet were able to adapt and crush their opponents.”One of the main things that is evident is the ability to play under pressure,” Connor said. “We have shown glimpses of being able to do that, certain individuals have, but as a collective we have to be honest and say that we haven’t handled the pressure of this series in the way that we want to and we’ll need to compete in future Ashes and a World Cup every year. That’ll be a key area of focus, and how we fast-track that capability.”Related

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Performing under pressure isn’t a new focus for the team. During England’s home summer in 2024 when they hosted Pakistan and New Zealand, coaching staff put the team in various unexpected scenarios such as last-minute team changes, and Knight sitting a game out.But those attempts to accelerate learning against sides which otherwise posed little challenge fell flat against the mighty Australians, and at the T20 World Cup before that, where England exited in the group stages after a shocking fielding performance against West Indies.”One of the reflections, immediate reflections, and I’m sure it’ll evolve over the coming weeks, is the sort of scarcity of time when our players are under pressure,” Connor said.”The run-in to the T20 World Cup last October, we’d dominated all of the cricket we’d played in for almost 18 months. Within that were two white-ball series wins against Australia in the home Ashes in 2023 where we got onto a run of confidence and performance and skill that exposed Australia under pressure and showed some of their vulnerability when you can get into them.”While Connor spoke of trying to find more ways to put players under pressure, including through the domestic system and A-team tours, another theme emerged.England seem to struggle with tempering the confidence gained from successfully navigating those situations with the reality of facing a superior side. They need to move beyond the satisfaction of pushing Australia in 2023 and focus on ways to dominate them.Hosting India this summer before big crowds could prove a helpful test ahead of October’s 50-over World Cup in India, and Connor believes there is no alternative but to turn England’s form around by then.”We have to do that,” she said. “We have to use time wisely. We’ve now got the opportunity to really hold the mirror up to where we are and what has gone well and what hasn’t gone well and what needs to happen and when, by whom, to take the team forward.”England dropped catches with alarming regularity across the tour•AFP/Getty Images

England’s World Cup and Ashes shortcomings have put Lewis and Knight under pressure. Immediately after the Melbourne Test, Lewis said he believed he was the right person to take the team forward, while Knight said she wouldn’t make any knee-jerk declarations on her future as captain.”I think there’s a lot of collective learning for us around leadership,” Connor told a media briefing by phone from Melbourne. “Heather and Jon are more disappointed and frustrated than anybody.”Everybody on this call knows what Heather Knight pumps into being England women’s captain. So that will form part of discussions over the coming weeks, all of the areas of accountability in our set-up, with the ultimate goal of, in the short term, being ready for this summer and then being ready to get on a plane to the World Cup in India.”With any team sport defeat or success, responsibility for that and accountability lies with lots of us. It’s not just the captain and the head coach, it’s people who are all in leadership positions making decisions. We won’t shy away from difficult and honest conversations about how to take the team forward because that’s our jobs, for several of us.”England were thrashed 16-0 in Australia•Getty Images

The absence of a clear-cut successor to Knight amid a four-pronged leadership group that also includes Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amy Jones and Sophie Ecclestone, or beyond, should also be considered when assessing the captaincy position.Connor said Ecclestone’s refusal to give a pitch-side TV interview to former team-mate, now broadcaster, Alex Hartley during the Ashes “was an unfortunate incident that won’t happen again”.That followed Hartley’s comments after England bowed out of the T20 World Cup, in which she said that a handful of players were “letting the team down” with their fitness levels.”Our players in general… embrace their media obligations,” Connor said. “It matters to them to be good role models for women’s cricket and the England women’s cricket team. As professional women’s cricket has developed at the rate that it has over recent years, that scrutiny is something that we will all have to embrace and accept.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Após empatar com o Atlético-MG pelo Brasileirão, o Palmeiras já virou a chave e iniciou a preparação para enfrentar o Fortaleza no confronto que pode colocar o Verdão de volta às quartas de final da Copa do Brasil após duas temporadas.

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+ Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil-2023 clicando aqui

Com uma grande vantagem construída no primeiro duelo realizado no Allianz Parque, Abel Ferreira poderá poupar grande parte dos titulares para o duelo desta quarta-feira (31), no Castelão.

Artur é desfalque certo por já ter atuado pelo Bragantino na Copa do Brasil, enquanto Raphael Veiga deve atuar por ter tomado o terceiro cartão amarelo diante do Galo e ficar suspenso para o duelo contra o Coritiba, no próximo domingo, pelo Brasileirão.

continua após a publicidade

Joaquín Piquerez, que foi preservado no duelo deste último final de semana, também treinou na reapresentação alviverde e deve reforçar o Verdão na capital cearense.

Um provável Palmeiras para encarar o Fortaleza é: Marcelo Lomba, Marcos Rocha (Mayke), Naves, Luan e Piquerez; Fabinho, Richard Rios e Raphael Veiga; Bruno Tabata, Breno Lopes e Endrick (Flaco López).

continua após a publicidade

Fortaleza e Palmeiras se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (31), a partir das 19h (horário de Brasília), no Castelão, com transmissão do Premiere e do Sportv. O Palmeiras pode perder por até dois gols de diferença que mesmo assim garante vaga para a próxima fase da Copa do Brasil.

Tottenham Hotspur love a deadline day signing under Daniel Levy and, well, they’ve made another one.

On Monday, Spurs completed the signing of striker Randal Kolo Muani, arriving on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, costing a €5m (around £4.3m) loan fee, with no option or obligation to buy included.

This certainly gives Thomas Frank plenty of choice when it comes to his centre-forward position, with Richarlison having started all four matches in that position so far, including the UEFA Super Cup, bagging a brace on the opening day of the Premier League season against Burnley.

That’s not to mention Dominic Solanke, who joined Spurs as recently as last summer for £65m, but has seen just 49 minutes of action so far this season, spread across three substitute appearances, although he remains a contender for serious minutes.

However, will Tottenham still rue selling one of the highest-scoring players in Europe since the start of last season, one that could have flourished in North London had he not moved on?

What Randal Kolo Muani will bring to Tottenham

Tottenham will become the fifth club Kolo Muani has represented in just six seasons, searching for a more permanent home.

His major breakthrough came at Nantes, scoring 12 Ligue goals in 2021/22 for the Canaries, earning a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, who snapped him up as a free agent.

Well, one season and 23 goals later, Kolo Muani joined Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth, potentially, as much as £78m on deadline day of 2023, but this has not proved to be a shrewd investment from les Rouge-et-Bleu.

Never truly in Luis Enrique’s plans, the Frenchman scored just 11 goals in 54 PSG appearances, spending the second half of last season out on loan at Juventus, for whom he bagged a more than respectable ten goals in 22 outings, eight of which came in Serie A. He most recently scored a brace against Al Ain during the Club World Cup.

Now though, having scored goals in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and Serie A, he’ll be looking to add the Premier League to this list, hoping to make his Tottenham debut against West Ham after the international break.

Well, perhaps Spurs would never have needed to sign Kolo Muani, had they not sold one of their best academy products of recent times.

Ex-Tottenham striker free-scoring in Europe

Having scored 17 goals in 15 appearances for the U18s, as well as nine goals in nine UEFA Youth League outings, there was plenty of excitement from within the Tottenham fan base about Troy Parrott, even before his senior debut in September 2019.

Nevertheless, despite being free-scoring at youth level, the Irishman made just four senior Spurs appearances, loaned out to Millwall, Ipswich, Milton Keynes and Preston, before exploding in the Netherlands.

During the 2023/24 season, on loan at Excelsior, Parrott scored a total of 17 Eredivisie goals, averaging a goal every 127 minutes, made all the more impressive by the fact that his team finished third-bottom, subsequently netting seven times during the play-offs, including four in the final, but this was in vain as the Rotterdam-based side were relegated, defeated 7-6 on aggregate by NAC Breda.

This though, caught the attention of bigger Dutch clubs, including AZ Alkmaar, who agreed to pay €8m (around £6.7m) to sign him permanently from Tottenham last summer.

Well, the Cheeseheads are certainly glad they made this decision, given that the Republic of Ireland international scored 20 goals last season, four of which came in the Europa League, on target against Elfsborg, Ferencváros, Galatasaray and Roma.

Well, Parrott has started this season absolutely on fire, netting ten times already, including seven in five Conference League qualifying outings, as well as a brace on the opening day of the Eredivisie season against Groningen.

The table below documents how prolific he has been since joining AZ.

Viktor Gyökeres

Sporting & Arsenal

56

Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid

47

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

47

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

42

Serhou Guirassy

Borussia Dortmund

42

Ousmane Dembélé

Paris Saint-Germain

37

Erling Braut Håland

Manchester City

37

Raphinha

Barcelona

35

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

35

Sem Steijn

Twente & Feyennord

33

Vangelis Pavlidis

Benfica

33

Troy Parrott

AZ Alkmaar

30

As the table documents, Parrott is keeping quite illustrious company when it comes to players who’ve scored 30 or more goals across all competitions since the start of last season, with the Irishman skyrocketing up that leaderboard following his exploits last month.

For comparison, Kolo Muani has scored 12 goals during the same timeframe.

Former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has certainly been impressed by Parrott’s form in the Eredivisie, labelling him a “striker who actually has everything”, impressed by his “killer instinct” in front of goal.

Thus, the Republic of Ireland international could prove to be the one that got away for Spurs fans, even if they’ll be pleased to see him thriving over in the Netherlands.

Perfect for Kolo Muani: Spurs considering late move for £52m England gem

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to make another huge move before tonight’s 7pm deadline.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 1, 2025

Tottenham’s statement signing of the summer was undoubtedly their £52 million deal for playmaker Xavi Simons, who signed a potential seven-year contract at Spurs after joining from RB Leipzig in the final days of the window.

The deal was penned for an initial five years with the option of a further two, coming as one of the longest player contracts in Tottenham’s history, and perhaps a real indicator as to how highly they rate the Dutchman.

Mohammed Kudus

£55 million

Kota Takai

£5 million

Mathys Tel

£30 million

Joao Palhinha

Loan

Kevin Danso

£21 million

Xavi Simons

£52 million

Randal Kolo Muani

Loan

Daniel Levy, who has now resigned after the shocking announcement of his departure on Thursday, led a recruitment team of CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, technical director Johan Lange and unofficial advisor Fabio Paratici in pursuit of a much-needed playmaker before Monday’s transfer deadline.

After two very public and humbling failed attempts to sign one, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze rejecting moves to Tottenham in dramatic late fashion, Spurs finally landed on Simons after an impressive two years in the Bundesliga.

In doing so, the Lilywhites gazumped Chelsea’s deal for the 22-year-old, saving some face after Gibbs-White’s bizarre saga and Arsenal’s hijacking of Eze.

Simons, who came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before moving on to PSG and then Leipzig, bagged 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 total appearances for the latter side.

The Netherlands international is famed for his “silky” skills and creativity in the final third, which is exactly what Thomas Frank is crying out for after injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

The former ruptured his ACL in pre-season and won’t be back until 2026 as a result, while Kulusevski wasn’t named in Tottenham’s 22-man Champions League squad as the Swede is expected to return in December.

Tottenham dealt Xavi Simons worry as "concern" arises for Thomas Frank

Simons was unveiled before a delighted Spurs crowd before their 1-0 loss to Bournemouth prior to the international break, prompting excitement as supporters anticipate his imminent debut.

However, Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard has also sent a warning to Tottenham about the player.

Based off some “talk” he’s heard from German circles, Simons’ body language and attitude have sometimes come into question.

According to Mick Brown, Tottenham also spoke with Aston Villa about signing Morgan Rogers, but given just how unobtainable he proved to be with an £80 million price tag, Simons is a more-than viable alternative with a huge ceiling.

Former U.S. international Herculez Gomez says Ricardo Pepi's availability and fitness could be the deciding factors in whether the PSV Eindhoven striker secures the starting No. 9 role for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup. The 22-year-old forward recently returned for the Dutch champions after recovering from knee surgery that sidelined him for several months.

• AFP
  

  Pepi's finishing quality evident

  The ESPN analyst noted that the position remains wide open for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup, presenting a significant opportunity for Pepi.

  “I think he has shown, in the brief time he has played, this season and last season when fit, with the USMNT – if he’s fit – he is going to score goals,” Gomez said on Futbol Americas. “He’s got to stay fit, got to stay hungry. Because that No. 9 for the USMNT, if the World Cup is his bar, then it’s a wide open race. It was his, but if you’re not on the field, you’ve already lost it. And he’s not been on the field…

  "I hear a player who is being told to stay patient and I see a player that, in flashes, shows you good things. But I’ve been there myself… I don’t know where he is, only he knows where he is. But he’s got to stay patient, he’s got to stay strong and he’s got to take his chances with the national team when they come.”

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• Club form shows promise

  Since joining PSV Eindhoven in 2023, Pepi has shown glimpses of his potential, when available. The striker has contributed 34 goals in 78 appearances for the club, including key strikes in the Champions League.

  However, a knee injury last season led him to miss a majority of the season, and he has only just recovered, scoring a brace against NEC Nijmegen upon his return to full fitness.

• Striker competition intensifies

  Pepi's fight for the starting role comes amid increasing competition from other American forwards. Folarin Balogun became the favorite after his strong performance in the September friendlies, while Patrick Agyemang endeared himself to Mauricio Pochettino during the Gold Cup.

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• AFP
  

  World Cup roster decisions ahead

  With approximately nine months remaining before the 2026 World Cup, time is running short for players to solidify their positions in Pochettino's plans.

  The upcoming international windows in October represent crucial evaluation opportunities.